POLICY
AIMS - To
ensure all employees are made aware of their responsibilities
with regard
to alcohol, illegal or prescibed drugs and solvents on company premises.
- To
eliminate or reduce to a minimum, the effects of drug, alcohol and solvent abuse
on the abuser, employees and everyone within the organisation.
- To
provide adequate information to all Supervisors/Managers
on how to prevent
misuse and how to recognise the problem of drug and alcohol abuse.
- To
provide help and support for individuals to overcome
a drug, alcohol or solvent
problem. SUMMARY
All
employees, regardless of length of service,
are subject to the Group Policy
on Alcohol, Drug and Solvent use,
on company premises. Please
refer to the attached information on units of alcohol, types of drugs and useful
addresses (NOT ATTACHED).
PROCEDURE
Employees
are expected to avoid the use of alcohol, controlled drugs
(other than under
medical supervision) or solvents during working hours. Employees
are expected to report for work in accordance with the negotiated conditions of
employment. They should be capable of completing their normal tasks and must not
be a hazard to themselves or other employees. - If
an employee is referred for treatment/rehabilitation, the matter will be treated
with the utmost confidentiality.
- Supervisors
and Managers are expected by the Company to set an example to all staff.
- A
Supervisor or Manager will not permit an employee to work, if the employee is
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- If
an employee is taking a medically prescribed drug, he/she has a duty to inform
his/her Supervisor or Manager on the first day of taking the drug and at the beginning
of the first working day.
The employee also has a duty to ask either their doctor or a chemist about
the possible side effects caused by the drug, for example; drowsiness or impaired
vision. If prescribed a drug, the employee should ensure their doctor is fully
aware of the nature of their job.
- No
alcohol is to be consumed before the start of the working shift. No illegal drugs
are to be used before or during the working day - unless prescribed by a doctor;
having satisfied the requirements of the previous paragraph.
- Group
companies will support employees on rehabilitation programmes. Supervisors and
Managers must encourage staff to seek help voluntarily. If any employee does seek
outside/external help, the matter will be treated confidentially.
- If
any employee seeks treatment or joins a rehabilitation programme, for any period
of time, this will be regarded as normal sickness absence. The relevant procedures
will then apply.
- Any
employee who has finished their period of rehabilitation has the right to return
to work, to the same position. If this is not available, the employee should be
given an equivalent or comparable option.
Please
note; if help is refused and impaired performance continues,
or if an employee
attends work under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
disciplinary action
will be taken. The standard procedure will then come into force. The
Group reserves the right of summary dismissal in cases of gross misconduct.
GROUP
AIMS Group
Companies will; - Aim
to provide advice without prejudice.
- Seek
the commitment of Supervisors and Managers to the policy,
whilst also providing
a support and guidance network for them. - Agree
with Supervisors and Managers what action to take
if an employee admits to
needing help,
is found misusing drugs/drinking alcohol
or has a relapse
after receiving treatment. - Aim
to monitor and regularly review the policy,
in conjunction with the Supervisors,
and Managers involved. |
